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"CEO of one of the nation’s largest private asset managers, PIMCO, Mohammed El-Erian writes, “Some observers seem to be repeating a mistake that many made in Egypt, Israel and Tunisia — that of falling hostage to an outmoded way of thinking about seemingly-leaderless grass movements. Such observers are quick to dismiss OWS because it is fragmented and lacks a detailed list of demands. They argue that it is long on criticisms of the past and short on solutions for the future. They note that it is not structured to navigate the current political setup. Accordingly, they conclude that the impact will be transitory and inconsequential. While these reactions are understandable, this conclusion about OWS is likely to be proven wrong as it ignores a powerful reality: A peaceful drive for greater social justice can unify people from diverse cultural backgrounds, political affiliations, religions, and social classes…Through constructive collaboration, the movement’s energy and intensity can – and hopefully will — be combined with other influences to formulate forward-looking solutions for an America that must desperately regain its economic vigor, provide more jobs, and deliver better on its traditional commitment to social fairness and equal opportunities.”

What I don't get is how Quan lured people in by saying the city supported them, Quan marched with them, everything was going to be great, then they send in the storm troopers a few days later. Couldn't they work something out especially if the city started out trying to be cool with everyone? I know the camp was getting infested with rats but you'd think the protesters and the city could work something out in terms of cleaning it up. If the protesters were being bratty about it and refusing to work with the city then I could see a confrontation building but it shouldn't have gotten to the point of throwing everyone in jail.

I think its awesome that we keep the misconduct of banks in the spotlight, but I worry that this too, will fizzle into nothing and things will simply go back to business as usual.

The OCCUPY folks would be better off holding their congressional representatives responsible, bombarding them with complaints and emails. They should be protesting in front of congressional offices. There is enough frustration for this to gain a lot of traction but simply screaming at bank buildings isnt enough to harness the anger felt across the country.

The Democrats need a 'Tea Party'.

That would guarantee that nothing would be done. Perhaps a Blue Ribbon Panel of Geezers could study the issue for ten years.

Looks like the Chief resigned just in time there in Oakland his replacement seems to have panicked.

I bet the Russkies at Russia Today are jumping with joy to see unrest in the US even though any demonstration of more than 5 people in Russia is dealt with by instantaneous beatings and jail sentences. Unless they're pro-government or antisemitic rallies, then they're ok.

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